You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Authors Michael Blakemore, Michael Simkins and Philip Zeigler are all contenders for the 2014 Sheridan Morley Prize for Theatre Biography.
Blakemore, former associate director of the National Theatre, is up for his book Stage Blood (Faber & Faber), which details his tempestuous early years at the National under Laurence Olivier and Peter Hall. Actor Simkins has been shortlisted for his autobiography The Rules of Acting (Ebury Press), detailing the lessons he has learned during his career in showbusiness. Meanwhile Zeigler is on the list for his biography of Laurence Olivier, titled Olivier (MacLehose Press).
This year’s judging panel is chaired by Ruth Leon and also includes literary agent Alan Brodie, independent producer Jenny Topper and director Stephen Unwin.
Now in its seventh year, the annual £2,000 cash prize is awarded for the best biography, autobiography or diary in theatre or show business published in the preceding calendar year. It honours the career of critic and writer Sheridan Morley who specialised in biographies of actors, directors, and theatre and film personalities.
Last year’s top honour went to actor and writer Rupert Everett for his memoir Vanished Years (Little, Brown).
The winner of the 2014 Prize will be awarded in a ceremony on 5th March at The Garrick Club.